West Ham star turns back on Moyes as Wolves enter bargain transfer talks to banish own struggler

Wolves and Aaron Cresswell are mutually interested in a deal that would see the West Ham left-back leave the London Stadium for Molineux, according to reports.

Cresswell has been with West Ham since 2014, which makes him their longest serving player. However, his future at the club is now at risk, since he has entered the final year of his contract. According to The Athletic, Wolves have entered talks about a transfer.

Wolves would be willing to arrange a £5m deal to sign Cresswell from West Ham. Importantly, the report claims that the player himself would be eager to make the move.

Last summer, West Ham signed Emerson Palmieri from Chelsea to provide competition at left-back. Cresswell actually featured more than Emerson last season, but given their ages, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Italy international overtake him in the pecking order next term.

Nevertheless, Cresswell could still be a capable option in the Premier League, which is why Wolves have turned to him.

According to the report, Wolves would be willing to loan out Rayan Ait-Nouri – who struggled for gametime last season – to clear space in their squad for Cresswell.

Where Ait-Nouri could end up himself remains to be seen, but the chances of Cresswell replacing him seem to be on the rise after West Ham left him out of their friendly win over Tottenham this week, despite him being part of their travelling party, because of speculation.

West Ham have Cresswell replacement lined up

The Athletic has already hinted at who could replace Cresswell at West Ham. Indeed, the same source recently shared that the Hammers could make a bid for Ian Maatsen from Chelsea.

Maatsen was part of the Burnley squad that won the Championship last season whilst he was on loan there. One way or another, he is now ready for his chance in the Premier League.

West Ham will have to pay more for Maatsen than they would receive by selling Cresswell. Regardless, the succession plan will allow the former Tranmere Rovers and Ipswich Town man to make his move to Wolves.

It will bring an end to a West Ham career that has included 331 appearances, 10 goals and 37 assists. His time with the club will have culminated with them winning the Europa Conference League last season.

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